Earth Day Challenge: Make Your Diet More Sustainable Today

Imagine walking into your local grocery store, looking at rows of fresh produce, dairy, and meat, and wondering: “What choices will truly make a difference for the planet?” With climate change and environmental concerns becoming more urgent, many people are rethinking their diets—not just for personal health but also for sustainability. But eating sustainably isn’t as simple as cutting out meat or buying organic. It’s about making informed decisions that support both your well-being and the planet’s future.

As Earth Day reminds us of our role in protecting the environment, it’s a perfect time to reassess our food choices. Understanding what makes a diet truly sustainable can help you make practical, impactful changes—without feeling overwhelmed.

This article explores what it means to eat sustainably, the role of plant-based foods, and practical steps you can take to align your diet with a healthier planet.

What Makes a Diet Sustainable?

A truly sustainable diet supports both human health and the environment, ensuring that future generations will have access to nutritious food. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines sustainability as meeting present needs without compromising future resources, which applies directly to how we grow, distribute, and consume food.

A sustainable diet takes into account:

• Environmental impact: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimising water and land use, and avoiding practices that harm soil and biodiversity.

• Health benefits: Prioritising nutritious, minimally processed foods that support long-term health and prevent diet-related diseases.

• Ethical considerations: Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for food industry workers, from farmers to grocery store employees.

• Food accessibility: Making sure that healthy, sustainable foods are affordable and available to everyone, not just a privileged few.

This means sustainability isn’t just about the food itself—it’s about the entire system that produces it.

Should a Sustainable Diet Be Plant-Based?

Plant-based foods are often at the centre of sustainability discussions, and for good reason. Animal agriculture accounts for nearly 60% of global food-related greenhouse gas emissions, while plant-based foods contribute significantly less. However, sustainability isn’t as simple as cutting out meat entirely.

According to the EAT-Lancet Commission, a global team of experts on food sustainability, the most planet-friendly diet is not necessarily vegan—it’s a flexitarian approach that focuses on more plants and fewer animal products. Their recommendations suggest:

• Reducing red meat intake to about 3.5 ounces (100 grams) per week.

• Limiting poultry and fish to small amounts while prioritising plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, and nuts.

• Consuming dairy in moderation and choosing plant-based alternatives when possible.

This approach balances the environmental benefits of plant-based eating with the nutritional value of some animal products—especially those from regenerative farms that prioritise soil health and biodiversity.

The Limitations of Plant-Based Eating

While shifting towards plant-based foods is key, it doesn’t automatically make a diet sustainable. Industrial agriculture, even for plant crops, can be highly damaging to the environment. Large monoculture farms that grow soy, corn, and wheat—staples in many plant-based diets—can degrade soil, reduce biodiversity, and rely on synthetic fertilisers that contribute to pollution.

Additionally, not all plant-based alternatives are created equal. Many highly processed plant-based meats, while lower in carbon emissions than beef, still require significant resources and can be high in sodium and additives.

This is why sustainability isn’t just about choosing plants over meat—it’s about choosing whole, minimally processed foods, supporting local farms, and considering how food is grown.

Practical Tips for Eating More Sustainably

If you’re looking to make your diet more sustainable this Earth Day (and beyond), here are some actionable steps:

Prioritise Whole Plant Foods

• Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

• Reduce reliance on highly processed plant-based alternatives.

Choose Sustainably Sourced Animal Products

• If you eat meat, opt for pasture-raised, grass-fed, or regenerative farm sources.

• Support local farmers who practise ethical and sustainable agriculture.

Minimise Food Waste

• Nearly 30-40% of food is wasted, contributing to unnecessary resource use.

• Plan meals, store food properly, and use leftovers creatively.

Support Local and Seasonal Foods

• Buying locally grown food reduces transportation emissions and supports regional ecosystems.

• Eating in-season produce reduces reliance on energy-intensive storage and shipping.

Reduce Packaging and Processed Foods

• Choose fresh, bulk, and minimally packaged foods when possible.

• Reduce single-use plastics and opt for reusable shopping bags and containers.

Cook More at Home

• Home-cooked meals are often healthier and more sustainable than fast food or takeaways.

• Cooking from scratch reduces reliance on resource-intensive processed foods.

Earth Day Challenge: Ready to Make Your Diet More Sustainable?

If you want to take the guesswork out of sustainable eating and align your diet with your health and environmental goals, booking a consultation with a health coach can help. Get personalised guidance on making sustainable choices that fit your lifestyle. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step towards a healthier planet and a healthier you!

References:

Byrne, C. (2022, April 13). How to follow an eco-friendly, sustainable diet. Healthline.